Nor'West News: January 30, 2018

More documents

Recommendations

Info

6 Tuesday January 30 2018 Latest Christchurch news at www.star.kiwi News Improving alleyway safety in spotlight • By Julia Evans MOTOR-CYCLISTS using a Fendalton alleyway as a shortcut may soon have to take the long route. City council staff have investigated possible options to deter motor-cyclists and cyclists and improve safety of pedestrians using the alleyway on Coldstream Court and Barlow St following concerns raised by residents. Residents complained to the city council last January and two bollards were installed. However, following up at the end of last year, residents say the alleyway is still being misused as visibility is poor. Resident Hamish Martin wrote to the city council describing a collision he saw between two young cyclists. In a report to the Fendalton- Waimairi-Harewood Community Board, staff said there are several possible options for the board to consider. One option was a pavement messaging to remind user to slow down, another to improve visibility by lower fences and the last to introduce a new fence-style barrier. The new barriers would impact on other users of the alleyway, staff said. “Generally to stop all motorcyclists entering access ways the range of barriers have to be very severe . . . many members of the community would not be able to gain entry such as in their wheelchairs, mobility scooters, pushing prams,” the report said. City council staff said the preferred option was to improve visibility between people nearing the access way by lowering the height of the two boundary fences. MEN IN Papanui have been given the chance to get fit and address their mental well-being through a group. The Northgate Men’s Group encourages men to reflect on their physical activity and health – in a friendly, social environment every Friday from 10am to 11.30am in the Northcity Church at 95a Sawyers Arms Rd. “We approached a group who regularly gather in the northwest suburbs,” said Sport Canterbury physical health adviser Steve Gettings. “We asked them if they would consider having a go at some new activities.” Gettings the physical activity team delivers a Green Prescription service, which supports people to increase their activity. “We help them see a connection between being active and their greater well-being,” said Mr Gettings. “The impact is so much greater than physical health – it’s about mental health, emotional health and social networks.” The weekly gathering is informal, designed to encourage new participants to join at any time through the term. •From page 1 But now major arterial routes have opened heavy vehicles were not necessary on the “neighbourhood” and “residential” roads, Cr Manji said. “Glandovey Rd west is a particular example where trucks don’t need to go,” he said. There needed to be incentive and more communication between freight companies and residents because bans and restrictions were hard to enforce, Cr Manji said. “The restriction will allow for some kind of infringement but by going to freight companies and saying these roads are out of bounds and opening a conversation, that’s a much better way of Raewyn Bell is the Northgate community worker who has worked with Mr Gettings to make the concept work. Ms Bell said that offering a relaxed, social setting is key. “We’ll see what people like and build on that.” One Northgate Men’s Group regular says his motivation is doing it.” A restriction would likely come under a new Traffic and Parking Bylaw 2017, which comes into force on March 1. The city council will be able to prohibit or restrict any specified simple: “It’s important to keep your body tuned up and keep fit.” Another participant sees it as a valuable opportunity. “The fellowship is good, the people are very friendly, and the instructor is very good. He gives me very clear instructions on the exercises and he comes around and supports you if you need help.” CONCERN: City councillor Raf Manj said banning trucks from all Fendalton roads would be hard to enforce. PHOTO: MARTIN HUNTER class of vehicle for its size or the goods carried if it is unsuitable on a particular road. City council head of transport Richard Osborne said staff would present the board with a report regarding the restriction NOR’WEST NEWS Local News Now Men’s group focuses on health Fire rages, homes at risk ACTIVE: The new Northgate Men’s Group meets weekly in Papanui to improve physical and mental wellbeing. The first week the group spent an hour with Dyna-Bands, focusing on resistance and building flexibility. The following weeks were focused around building strength and fitness through various circuits. They have also been aqua jogging, most for the first time. Heavy vehicle restrictions likely for Fendalton before it formally considered the restriction. “Staff will provide information to the board on the process for banning heavy vehicles and will update them on work that is under way to assess the implications of such a proposal,” he said. Association spokesman James Wilding said the group was pleased with the “foreshadowed” heavy vehicle restrictions. “Reduced noise and pollution and fewer safety risks would be most welcome,” he said. Mr Wilding said Melbourne, Sydney and Hamilton were a few examples of cites that had successfully restricted heavy vehicles in residential areas. Discover this unique Emporium Shop online with the in store special prices! Discount code: Goat themohairstore 140 Colombo Street, Beckenham Phone 03 943 1639 www.themohairstore.co.nz Metal art - gifts - hoMewares water features - pottery Mirrors - candles wall hangings & More 722 Marshland Road, Top end Styx Open 7 Days Ph: 03 323 9781 www.hitchingpost.co.nz
NOR’WEST NEWS Latest Christchurch news at www.star.kiwi Tuesday January 30 2018 7 Petition to extend dog park • By Julia Evans FEEDBACK AND an online petition is being sought in a bid to extend The Groynes dog park. Fendalton-Waimairi- Harewood Community Board member Aaron Campbell has set up a petition, Extend Groynes Dog Park – More Park 2 Bark, on change.org. And Mr Campbell has been hard at work putting up signs around the area seeking feedback from users. Said Mr Campbell: “Ninetynine per cent of the infrastructure is in place, including suitable fencing for a dog park bordering the motorway bypass but there are no plans to utilise it. Allowing dogs and their owners in is a logical and cost-effective use of the space.” It comes following setting up signs to get feedback on the proposal, which would see a part of a 31ha empty lot leftover from the Western Belfast Bypass added to the Northwood dog park. “An extension wouldn’t be all of that area but I’m open to hearing from users. Their input is the most important thing,” he said. He launched his bid following frustration with the slow • By Julia Evans A FENDALTON resident has written to Mayor Lianne Dalziel calling for trucks to be banned around Fendalton Stephen Purcell has lived on the corner of Fendalton and west Glandovey Rds for the last 13 years. He wrote Ms Dalziel a letter detailing the impact heavy vehicles had on his life, asking for trucks to be banned. In the letter he said they operated from 4.30am-10.30pm daily. The engine brakes and acceleration was noisy and made his house shake. “They storm through, and the poor old house shakes like a 3.8 aftershock,” he said. PALS: Aaron Campbell, with old english sheep dog Winchester, has launched a bid to extend The Groynes dog park. city council process and says he simply wants the public to take advantage of the space. “It’s a work in progress. There’s no long-term plan for the extension. But I’m trying to get permission to set up a poster and start getting feedback from users,” Mr Campbell said. “Once you spend a few thousand, it’ll pretty much take care of itself from there,” he said. Resident gains support against trucks “To say they are noisy would be an understatement because we are right on the intersection, we get engine brakes and air brakes or a combination of both when the lights are red.” Mr Purcell said he has seen at least 40 accidents at the intersection. “I have no doubt there will be fatalities.” He said making the roads safer for pedestrians and cyclists is imperative considering the number of schools in the area. “We, along with all our concerned neighbours, are hoping and praying something can be done to rectify this,” he said. Mr Purcell has been lobbying neighbours to join the Glandovey Idris Straven Residents’ Association – door-knocking residents. “One hundred per cent of residents that were at home over the two-day period joined our association, all of them experiencing the same shaking when the truck and trailer units go past,” he said. The association now has more than 50 members from Straven Rd alone. •HAVE YOUR SAY: Do you struggle with trucks or heavy vehicles down residential streets? Email your views to julia.evans@ starmedia.kiwi • By Julia Evans CHRISTMAS CAME early for Hank the border collie cross. After featuring as poster boy for Dogwatch Sanctuary Trust’s 2018 calendar and more than two months at the trust, the two-year-old was adopted on December 24. He starred on the front page of the Nor’West News over Christmas. So he now has a new home – and a new name. He is now called Gus. His new owner said he had come along way in a short space of time – describing him as a “dolphin” in the water. “He is very affectionate and gaining more confidence as he gets to know the neighbourhood. He is very responsive to commands and appears a quick and willing learner.” “I think further down the track when he is completely chilled he will enjoy his new home.” The bright, lovely and playful animal, according to trust manager Pam Howard, had been without a home since October. Mrs Howard said many people had wanted to adopt Gus, but just weren’t a right fit. Gus had been at the city council pound before arriving at the trust, and had some Local News Now Fire rages, homes at risk New home and new name for friendly pooch SETTLING IN: With time, Gus is becoming more relaxed in his new home. “quirks” she said. She described Gus as “resource guarder” – a dog that growls and snarls at other animals and people to stay away from an object it might be guarding. “He just needs an owner that understands when dogs have quirks you work with them and you don’t set them up to fail,” Mrs Howard said.
Page 1 and 2: TUESDAY, JANUARY 30, 2018 Locally O
Page 3 and 4: NOR’WEST NEWS Latest Christchurch
Page 5: NOR’WEST NEWS Latest Christchurch

Nor'West News: January 30, 2018

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?